Biophysical mechanism of animal magnetoreception, orientation and navigation

Authors: Panagopoulos DJ, Karabarbounis A, Chrousos GP

Year: 2024 Dec 3

Category: Biophysics

Journal: Sci Rep

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-77883-9

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-77883-9

Abstract

Overview

We explore a biophysical mechanism that explains how animals perceive geomagnetic fields to orient and navigate. This involves the ion forced oscillation (IFO) mechanism within animal cell membrane voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs).

Findings

  • The study reviews existing hypotheses on VGICs—the pivotal electromagnetic sensors in animals.
  • We detail the interaction between mobile ions in VGICs and the geomagnetic field (GMF), specifically how it affects ion dynamics leading to alterations in cell homeostasis based on GMF intensity and movement orientation relative to the GMF axis.
  • Our results establish the direct impact of GMF variations and animal velocity changes on VGIC activation, proposing a new understanding of how animals detect and utilize the GMF for navigation.

Conclusion

This research underscores the critical role of VGICs in animal magnetoreception and the nuanced interaction between cellular processes and natural geomagnetic phenomena.

magnetoreception animal navigation biophysical mechanism voltage-gated ion channels geomagnetic field
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